85 9.8 starter question.

[brian547]

hey guys, I have an 85 merc 9.8 el (sn A113176). i just got this motor a month ago in non running condition. changed waterpump/impeller, and rebuilt the carb. so I went to test start it today, and the electric start doesnt work. I got the engine running with the pull start but neither the button on the motor, nor the control key would start it. The "stop" button on the engine does however work, as well as the "stop" on the controls. So I thought my starter was bad, ripped it out, and tested it with battery charger and it works fine. So where should I look for the loss of power, can the button on the actual motor go bad? and what should i check from the remote key start side?

and rather then start another thread ill ask this on here too, when I did get the motor running it looked as if water was comming out of (around) both the spark plugs. that is a water jacket cover correct? and there should be a gasket behind it that just needs changed? how big of a pain is it getting that gasket changed?

thanks so much for all the help guys! I search for what I need to know, and there is a ton of info on here! But, wasnt too sure about these two questions.


Brian

 

[JB]

Re: 85 9.8 starter question.

Could be a weak battery or a failed solenoid, but most likely it is corrosion in the battery to starter/engine block cables or connections.

Tight and looking good is not enough. Take the connections off, scrub them shiny and reconnect.

Let us know what you get.

 

[quicktach]

Re: 85 9.8 starter question.

Verify if the solenoid is working. Check all wiring for continuity. Check all switches for continuity and clean contacts. Yes, the button act up - more corrosion/oxidation....may need cleaning. All wiring connections, including grounds must be clean and meticulous and tight.

Why the water is coming out around the jacket could be a concern ....like maybe the motor overheating and blowing a gasket. Take it off, clean all surfaces and re-gasket ..torquing correct and in sequence.

Any signs of overheating anywhere ?

Keep us posted!

 

[oldman570]

Re: 85 9.8 starter question.

Most electrical systems have a fuse in the + wire usally before the selinoid to keep the compoints from being damaged. look for any fuse that might be blown causing the trouble. If one is blown you will need to correct the bad compoant as it will just blow a new fuse again. The starter key switch should be fused as could the handle buttton also.If ware is leaking from the spark plug area, then the gasket will need to be replaced. A compression test should be done to insure that the motor has not been damaged from a overheating or other miss use. JMO
Oldman570